Brainy Moms

• Social Media & Teens: Advice on Limits, Conversations, & Safety | Jennifer Berger

  What if we approached teen technology and social media use more like teaching someone to drive rather than simply restricting access until they're "old enough"? Media literacy expert Jennifer Berger joins Dr. Amy and Sandy on the Brainy Moms podcast to introduce her groundbreaking program, the Social Media Driver's License, which does exactly that.After two decades of teaching media literacy to over 10,000 youth, Jennifer noticed a troubling pattern in how we approach teens and technology. Most resources emphasized monitoring, restriction, and punishment – approaches that often backfire by damaging parent-teen relationships and failing to build critical digital skills. Her response? Create a collaborative, skill-building program that prepares tweens and teens to navigate online spaces independently.The Social Media Driver's License features a unique dual-track approach. Kids ages 10-14 participate in a 10-session course led by older teenagers sharing hard-earned wisdom about social media navigation. Parents simultaneously access an audio course covering essential topics like handling online safety concerns, addressing problematic content, and maintaining healthy conversations about technology. This structure recognizes that eventually, teens will access technology, making preparation more valuable than restriction.Perhaps most refreshing is Berger's emphasis on maintaining connection. Rather than villainizing teens' digital worlds or implementing rigid, top-down rules, she advocates for genuine curiosity, collaborative boundary-setting, and calm responses when inevitable mistakes occur. As Dr. Amy notes during the conversation, "Connection is the number one buffer against mental health crisis," making this approach particularly valuable for supporting teen wellbeing.Ready to transform your approach to parenting in the digital age? Check out this episode! CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: [email protected] Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.comSandy's TikTok: @TheBrainTrainerLadyDr. Amy's brand new IG: @DrAmySaysGraceDr. Amy's website: www.AmyMoorePhD.com

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• MTHFR and Epigenetics: Functional Medicine Insights for Parents | Dr. Randy James

  Wondering what all the social media chatter about genes and genetic variants (like MTHFR) really have to do with your child's health? On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy talk to  functional medicine physician Dr. Randy James about the connections between our genes, our environment, and our overall wellbeing.Dr. James unpacks the philosophy of functional medicine, which seeks to understand the root causes of health issues rather than just masking symptoms. He explains why modern medicine often falls short when addressing chronic conditions or nebulous symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, or general unwellness. The key difference? Functional medicine recognizes that every human is "infinitely biochemically unique" and requires a personalized approach.Dr. James breaks down how our genes and environment interact. He demystifies the often misunderstood MTHFR gene variant, which affects approximately 40% of the population to varying degrees. This genetic variation impacts methylation – a critical process involved in detoxification, neurotransmitter production, and cellular repair. Research has shown statistical associations between MTHFR variants and conditions like ADHD, autism, depression, and other mental health challenges.But here's where hope enters the picture: Dr. James emphasizes that genetic predispositions are not deterministic. Just as someone with fair skin doesn't panic about their increased skin cancer risk but instead adapts with sunscreen and protective clothing, understanding your genetic variants allows you to make targeted lifestyle modifications that can dramatically improve outcomes. From prioritizing organic foods to eating plenty of green vegetables rich in natural B vitamins, these evidence-based strategies can help support optimal methylation pathways.Parents will find particular value in Dr. James' practical advice for supporting children with genetic predispositions. He outlines developmental red flags to watch for, explains why "normal" symptoms might not be healthy, and offers guidance for navigating the complex world of nutrition and supplementation without becoming overwhelmed.Ready to take control of your family's health journey? Join us for this empowering conversation that will change how you think about genes, environment, and your power to influence both.CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: [email protected] Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.comSandy's TikTok: @TheBrainTrainerLadyDr. Amy's brand new IG: @DrAmySaysGraceDr. Amy's website: www.AmyMoorePhD.com

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• Sensory Processing & Emotion Regulation with Sarah Collins

  Ever wonder why your child can't sit still during lessons? Why they melt down when they're wearing certain clothes? Or why they're suddenly screaming at you when they haven't eaten in hours? The answer might lie in sensory processing—a critical yet often overlooked component of learning and behavior.In this illuminating conversation, occupational therapist Sarah Collins unpacks how our sensory systems influence every aspect of learning and daily life. Beyond the familiar five senses we all know, she explains how our vestibular system (balance), proprioception (body awareness), and interoception (internal body signals) create the foundation for successful learning and emotional regulation.Sarah reveals the surprising connection between body awareness and emotion regulation, backed by research showing that children who struggle to sense what's happening in their bodies often have difficulty managing their emotions. This knowledge transforms how we understand "difficult" behaviors—what looks like defiance or lack of focus might actually be sensory overwhelm.The homeschooling environment offers unique opportunities to accommodate sensory needs. Instead of forcing children to adapt to one-size-fits-all learning environments, parents can create flexible spaces that support each child's sensory profile. Maybe your child comprehends better while gently rocking, standing, or even upside down! As Sarah explains, "calm" doesn't necessarily mean "still"—it means the nervous system is regulated enough to process information effectively.Most powerfully, Sarah shares practical strategies for identifying sensory needs and adapting environments accordingly. From morning routines that incorporate movement to sensory-friendly workspaces, these approaches can dramatically improve learning outcomes. She also discusses how to balance competing sensory needs when siblings have different—sometimes opposite—requirements for successful learning.Ready to transform your homeschool experience? Listen now to discover how understanding sensory processing can lead to less frustration, more enjoyment, and deeper learning for your entire family.CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: [email protected] Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.comSandy's TikTok: @TheBrainTrainerLadyDr. Amy's brand new IG: @DrAmySaysGraceDr. Amy's website: www.AmyMoorePhD.com

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• Beyond the Win: Tips for Parenting Young Athletes & Dancers | Dr. Chelsea Pierotti

  Wondering how to best parent your competitive athlete or dancer? Dr. Chelsea Pierotti joins Dr. Amy and Sandy on this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast to reveal the psychology behind peak performance and what parents can do to help—and sometimes, what they should stop doing.Drawing from her background as both a sports psychologist and professional ballet dancer, Dr. Chelsea shares why dancers face unique mental challenges as "artistic athletes." Unlike team sports with constant reactions, dancers follow choreographed routines that leave dangerous space for overthinking. She explains why even elite performers need strategies to stay present while letting physical skills flow automatically.The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Dr. Chelsea unpacks why training for unexpected difficulties builds genuine confidence. Just as Olympic champion Michael Phelps practiced with broken goggles, dancers need to experience music cuts or costume malfunctions in practice to develop true resilience. This "training for the rare" teaches athletes they can handle anything—a skill that transfers far beyond performance.Parents will particularly appreciate Dr. Chelsea's clear guidance on their proper role in youth sports. She advises parents to be supportive managers handling logistics, while gradually teaching children to communicate directly with coaches. Her mantra "control the controllables" helps athletes focus exclusively on their attention, actions, and effort—letting go of judges, referees, and other external factors they cannot change.Perhaps most valuable is our discussion of redefining success beyond winning. By focusing on the "gain" (progress made) rather than the "gap" (distance from perfection), athletes develop healthier mindsets and lasting motivation. The 1% rule she shares demonstrates how small daily improvements compound into remarkable growth.Ready to help your young performer develop mental toughness that serves them in competition and beyond? Listen now and discover how to support the journey of your athlete or dancer without stepping into the coach's lane.Highlights from this episode:Dancers face unique challenges as "artistic athletes" with subjective judging similar to gymnastics and figure skatingPerformance psychology helps athletes manage overthinking during routines when automaticity takes overElite athletes train for unexpected situations to build true confidence that can handle adversityParents should be supportive managers rather than trying to fix technical issuesBy middle school, athletes should be communicating directly with coaches"Control the controllables" – focus on attention, actions, and effort, not external factorsDefine success based on progress and improvement rather than just winningMental skills developed in sports translate to all areas of lifeThe 1% rule promotes small daily improvements that compound over timeAllowing children to experience negative emotions helps them develop resilienceCONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: [email protected] Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.comSandy's TikTok: @TheBrainTrainerLadyDr. Amy's brand new IG: @DrAmySaysGraceDr. Amy's website: www.AmyMoorePhD.com

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• Launching Your Adult Child: Fostering Independence without Severing Connection | Dr. Jack Stoltzfus

  Are you struggling to launch your adult child? Have you ever found yourself wondering if you're overstepping boundaries with your adult child? Maybe you're caught in the cycle of questioning how often to text them, whether to offer advice, or if you're supporting them the right way? You're not alone. On this episode of the Brainy Moms podcast, Dr. Amy and Sandy talk with Dr. Jack Stoltzfus – clinical psychologist, America's launch coach, and author of "The Parent's Launch Code". Dr. Jack reveals that the transition to adult independence is challenging precisely because "the problem with young adults is they're adults, you can't control them." This fundamental shift requires parents to abandon old power dynamics and embrace a partnership approach.Dr. Jack explains why this particular parenting stage feels so difficult, sharing eye-opening statistics including that more than 50% of young adults between 18-29 now live with their parents. Rather than viewing this as failure, he redefines successful launching as achieving self-sufficiency and responsibility, regardless of living situation. The real measure of success is whether young adults can stand independently while maintaining a caring bond with parents.The conversation takes a poignant turn when discussing estrangement – with one in four young adults cutting off communication with parents for months or indefinitely. Dr. Jack offers practical strategies to prevent this heartbreaking outcome, including his innovative "five-year plan" approach that helps young adults envision their future while creating manageable steps toward independence.Whether you're wrestling with questions about charging rent, setting boundaries when adult children return home from college, or navigating the delicate balance between offering support without enabling dependence, this episode provides compassionate guidance. Dr. Jack's framework of combining unconditional love with what he calls "backbone" (clear values and boundaries) offers a roadmap for maintaining connection while fostering independence. For every parent wondering how to love and launch simultaneously, this conversation is an essential guide to launching your adult child with confidence and care.CONNECT WITH US: Website: www.TheBrainyMoms.com Email: [email protected] Social Media: @TheBrainyMoms Our sponsor's website: www.LearningRx.comSandy's TikTok: @TheBrainTrainerLadyDr. Amy's brand new IG: @DrAmySaysGraceDr. Amy's website: www.AmyMoorePhD.com

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